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Free Comic Book Day 2012

Free Comic Book Day
Ron Ackins, 29, of Philadelphia, checks out back issues of comics at Fat Jack’s Comicrypt, Friday, May 4, 2012, in Philadelphia. Like hundreds of other comic specialty shops in 46 countries, the store is participating in Free Comic Book day on Saturday, May 5, which sees shops give away free copies of new and reprinted comics from some 40 publishers, including Marvel, DC, Archie, Image, Dark Horse, Valiant and Dynamite, among others, to promote the growth of the medium and garner new readers, some of whom may have been exposed to heroes through television and films. Free Comic Book day started 11 years and continues to expand, said Joe Field, who helped organize the inaugural event. This year, some 3.5 million free comics will be handed out. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Free Comic Book Day
Ron Ackins, 29, of Philadelphia, checks out back issues of comics at Fat Jack’s Comicrypt, Friday, May 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

So let’s see. We were looking around the Internet and stumbled on something that should excite some people reading this little blurb.

Saturday is Free Comic Book Day. And yes, that means free comic books at certain stores throughout the country—no joke.

Each year, on the first Saturday of May, comic book shops open their doors—like they do everyday—to what they hope will be a new wave of comic books fans. Store owners give away free comics to anybody who decides to stop by their local store, but rules may vary.

But we don’t see why anyone would complain. Free is free, right?

The first Free Comic Book Day was held in 2002.

A quick search on Free Comic Book Day’s official website revealed that about a dozen stores on Long Island, from Hewlett to Smithtown, are participating in the event.

For those in the business of making and selling comics, the day gives them a chance to acknowledge their loyal customers while also opening up to new clientele that they hope will grow into comic aficionados.

“Comic books are an original American art form,” reads Free Comic Book Day’s official website.

Other industries have used annual events to spark greater awareness—and of course, an increase in sales.

In April, record stores across the country celebrated the fifth ever Record Store Day. Music lovers were asked to forget about digital music for one day, and were urged to visit their local stores and pick up a vinyl record.